Senate Republicans Pass Bill Funding ICE and CBP Amid Controversy

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Senate Republicans following their approval of a bill allocating billions of dollars to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill passed with a 52-47 vote, primarily along party lines, while Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska sided with Democrats against the measure.

Schumer expressed his disapproval, stating, “Tonight, Senate Republicans passed a rotten bill that makes their priorities painfully clear: more money for Donald Trump, more power for Donald Trump, and nothing to lower costs for working families.” He highlighted the Republicans’ refusal to permanently eliminate what he described as Trump’s slush fund, claiming it offers no accountability to taxpayers.

Despite growing divisions within the GOP, the bill grants $70 billion to ICE and border patrol, funding that Schumer terms as resources for what he calls “Trump’s personal police force.” Schumer criticized Republicans for their opposition to Democratic efforts aimed at reducing costs for housing, healthcare, gas, and childcare.

The Republican agenda is now written in black and white: a slush fund for Trump, tax dodges for Trump, a ballroom for Trump, and a private militia for Trump. For hard-working Americans? Nothing.

The Justice Department has introduced a settlement that includes the creation of “The Anti-Weaponization Fund,” part of the settlement agreement in the case “President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service.” This fund will receive $1.776 billion, intended as a systematic process to address weaponization claims. The fund stems from a perpetual appropriation that permits the DOJ to settle cases and pay judgments.

During a congressional hearing, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche clarified that the “anti-weaponization fund” had not yet been fully established. He assured that no commissioners have been named and no claims have been processed at this stage.

Schumer continued his statements against the Republicans, accusing them of neglecting the needs of working Americans in favor of protecting Trump’s interests. “Now the whole country can see the truth: Republicans fought like hell to protect Donald Trump and his slush fund but didn’t lift a finger to help working Americans lower their costs,” Schumer asserted.

The bill requires approval from the House of Representatives before it can proceed to President Donald Trump. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.